1995 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (2/21/2009)This was absolutely wonderful. Took about an hour to fully open up, but when it did it showed a very expressive nose of juniper berry, garrigue and blackberries. This led to a full-bodied palate with dark fruits, herb, and meaty notes supported by a minerally spine. Finishes long with no rough edges. Very well balanced and absolutely singing right now. Didn't find this to be tough or tannic at all. If you have some, it would be worth cracking one open. Wonderful with lamb stew. (95 pts.)

Thanks for encouraging me to open it. It was fantastic. Thanks to snipes and PH as well. They also had a hand in it. There was another couple with us last night and this was the clear favorite of everyone except my wife. She liked the Cayuse.

JBurman opened this when he came up from Florida. 1st time I have had the 1995 although I've had the 1996, 1999 and 2001. This was on par with all of them give or take a point or two. Solid red color. Very pretty nose. No brett. Rounded texture. Spice, leather and berry notes. Medium bodied. 92 points.